Career Change

Hello, try the ewisdom website, they have courses available for dental nurses at postgraduate centres, which are based at hospitals and are quite cheap. I am based in London. Also, check out the nhs jobs website, last time they had an opening for a trainee dental nurse.

Hi Carly

I agree with HRussel I wouldn't choose to do online course if there was an alternative. I did radiography online and found it very hard not having anyone to ask questions (emailing isn't the same)
Dental nursing is a busy career and has many paths depending where you work and what ur practice/clinic offers or specialises in. I'm in Edinburgh so have no knowledge of London but I've an ex colleague who is a senior dental nurse at the Easman and another at kings I believe they may take on trainee dental nurses? You should contact and ask there could possibly be some luck there. We take on trainees at the hospital I work in and also in community. As for practices I would think it'd be a case of local job adverts or job centre.
Good luck!! If it's helpful I could contact my Easman SDN and ask if there's trainees being taken on ?

Happy to help

I think being crazy is part of being a dental nurse lol

I live in the North West so can't say where in London would be a good place to get a training role but how about looking into all the practices that are within a certain distance of you. Try doing a bitof research on them to see what reputation they have etc. You could contact the practices you think sound good and ask them if they are taking on any trainee staff.
If you find a job yourself a lot of the time the employer will get you on to a training course themselves.

If you can't find a job go to your local colleges and training providers and enquire about training as a dental nurse because you'll probably find that they will be able to help find a trainee position somewhere.

Thankyou for your reply HRussell very positive and helpful advice quite a few people think Im a little crazy doing this at 31

I have also recently moved to central London and would really like advice on how to go about getting a trainee role at a practice here i.e recruitment agents ?? Also what is the best way to gain my diploma...any recommendations on who to study with??.

Again all help and advice much appreciated and most welcomed.

Carly

I wouldn't recommend an online course, simply because I personally think being able to speak to someone face to face whilst doing a course is much better. Going to a local college or private provider means you have regular contact with a tutor/assessor and they can help you if you need extra support.

I was made to do an online/distance learning course post qualification despite my objections and it was a nightmare so I looked into where I could do it and found a local college offered the course. It was much better doing it through them as the tutor was very supportive and didn't mind spending extra time on things.

Dental nursing can be a very rewarding career and there are opportunities to progress clinically or non clinically. I've gone on to do various jobs within Dentistry as I didn't want to stay within one area.

It is a big step that you're taking but I'm sure you'll do well if it's what you want.

good luck Carly

Hi All,

I'm new here and this is my first post.

I am 31 and have decided totry and start a career in dentistry. I would like to get my foot in the door by becoming a dental nurse. This is extremely important to me and I want to do it right. I have looked at various diplomas in dental nursing courses and was wondering what the online courses are like?? I am currently looking for a trainee dental nurse role to do alongside this course. Does this sound like a feasible route?

I want to become a fully trained Dental Nurse and would then like to train further and expand my repertoire. Is this possible in a dental nurse role??

I am absolutely petrified about this path I am taking but it feels right.


All feedback is most welcome.

Many Thanks
Carly